Oxidized Bitumen

What is Oxidized Bitumen?

Oxidized bitumen is a type of bitumen that has been chemically modified through a process of air blowing or oxygenation. Bitumen is a viscous, black, and sticky substance that is derived from the distillation of crude oil. Oxidized bitumen is produced by exposing bitumen to air at elevated temperatures, which causes oxidation of the bitumen's molecular structure. This results in a harder and more viscous product that is less susceptible to temperature changes.

Oxidized bitumen is commonly used in the construction industry for various purposes, including roofing, waterproofing, and sealing. It is also used in the manufacturing of various products, such as pipe coatings, adhesives, and electrical insulation materials.

The degree of oxidation can vary depending on the intended use of the product. Oxidized bitumen is typically classified into different grades based on the softening point, penetration value, and other physical properties.

Oxidized bitumen, also known as blown bitumen or air-blown bitumen, is a specially treated form of bitumen or asphalt. It is produced by blowing air through hot bitumen to increase its viscosity and improve its physical properties, such as hardness, durability, and resistance to temperature and weather changes.

During the oxidation process, the bitumen is heated to a high temperature and then exposed to air through a process of blowing. This causes the bitumen to oxidize and form longer molecular chains, resulting in a harder, more viscous material with improved stability and resistance to weathering.

Quality of Oxidized bitumen

The quality of oxidised bitumen can vary depending on the specific requirements of the application. Some of the key quality parameters that are typically considered for oxidised bitumen include:

Softening Point: This refers to the temperature at which the oxidized bitumen softens and becomes pliable. The softening point is typically measured using a ring and ball apparatus, and is an important parameter for determining the suitability of the bitumen for a given application.
Penetration: This refers to the depth to which a standard needle will penetrate the oxidised bitumen sample under specified conditions of time, temperature, and load. Penetration is typically measured in tenths of a millimetre, and is an important parameter for determining the consistency of the bitumen.
Ductility: This refers to the ability of the oxidised bitumen to stretch without breaking. Ductility is typically measured in centimetres, and is an important parameter for determining the flexibility and durability of the bitumen.
Solubility: This refers to the ability of the oxidised bitumen to dissolve in various solvents, such as toluene or trichloroethylene. Solubility is an important parameter for determining the purity of the bitumen.
Softening Point Increase (SPI): This refers to the increase in softening point of the bitumen due to oxidation. SPI is an important parameter for determining the degree of oxidation of the bitumen.
Specific Gravity: This refers to the density of the oxidised bitumen relative to the density of water. Specific gravity is an important parameter for determining the weight and volume of the bitumen.

History of Oxidized bitumen

The process of oxidizing bitumen to produce a harder, more durable material has been used for over a century. The earliest known use of oxidized bitumen dates back to the early 1900s, when it was used to waterproof concrete structures and roofs.
During the early years of its development, the oxidation process was performed by exposing bitumen to air in open tanks at elevated temperatures. This process, known as "blowing," involved heating the bitumen to temperatures of around 250-300°C and then exposing it to air for several hours to achieve the desired level of oxidation.
In the 1920s, the development of mechanical blowing technology revolutionized the production of oxidized bitumen. This process involved blowing compressed air through a heated bitumen stream, which greatly increased the efficiency and consistency of the process.
In the decades that followed, the use of oxidized bitumen expanded rapidly as it became recognized as a versatile and durable material for a wide range of construction and industrial applications. Today, oxidized bitumen is produced using advanced technologies that enable precise control over the degree of oxidation, resulting in products with consistent quality and performance characteristics.

Usages of Oxidized bitumen

Oxidized bitumen, also known as blown bitumen, has a variety of uses in the construction industry. Here are some common applications of oxidized bitumen:
Roofing: Oxidized bitumen is commonly used as a roofing material due to its excellent waterproofing properties. It is often used in flat roofs, as well as in the construction of tar and gravel roofs.
Paving: Oxidized bitumen can be used as a binder in asphalt paving mixes. It improves the durability and resistance to deformation of the pavement.
Waterproofing: Oxidized bitumen is often used as a waterproofing material for underground structures, such as basements and tunnels. It provides an effective barrier against water penetration.
Sealing: Oxidized bitumen can be used as a sealing material for joints and cracks in concrete structures, such as bridges and dams.
Pipe Coating: Oxidized bitumen is used to coat pipes for corrosion protection.Soundproofing: Oxidized bitumen can be used as a soundproofing material in buildings, as it has excellent sound absorption properties.
Adhesives: Oxidized bitumen is used as an adhesive in various construction applications, including carpeting and flooring installations.Overall, the versatility of oxidized bitumen makes it a popular material in the construction industry.

Packing of Oxidized bitumen

Oxidized bitumen is typically packed in a variety of containers depending on the specific application and the requirements of the customer. Some common types of packaging for oxidized bitumen include:
Meltable bags: These are plastic bags that can be melted down and mixed with the bitumen to facilitate handling and application. Meltable bags are often used for the transportation of oxidized bitumen in bulk quantities.
Blocks or pellets: Oxidized bitumen is often packed in solid or semi-solid blocks or pellets for ease of handling and storage. These blocks or pellets can be easily melted down and mixed with other materials as needed.
Drums: Oxidized bitumen is sometimes packed in steel drums, which can range in size from 150 kg to 200 kg. Drums are often used for the transportation of oxidized bitumen in smaller quantities.
Tankers: For large-scale transportation, oxidized bitumen can be transported in tanker trucks or railcars. These tankers are designed to maintain a constant temperature and prevent the bitumen from solidifying or deteriorating during transit.
The choice of packaging will depend on a variety of factors, including the volume of oxidized bitumen required, the distance and mode of transportation, and the storage conditions at the destination. It is important to select the appropriate packaging to ensure that the oxidized bitumen arrives at its destination in good condition and ready for use.

Prices Oxidized bitumen

The prices of oxidized bitumen can vary depending on several factors such as the grade of oxidized bitumen, the location of the supplier, the volume of purchase, and market demand. Generally, the prices of oxidized bitumen are quoted in metric tons (MT) and can range from USD 350 to USD 600 per MT.
It is important to note that prices can also fluctuate based on the global oil prices and other geopolitical factors that can affect the supply and demand for bitumen. Additionally, the transportation costs can also impact the final price of oxidized bitumen, especially for customers located in remote areas or regions with limited infrastructure.
To get an accurate and up-to-date price for oxidized bitumen, it is recommended to contact suppliers or distributors directly and request a quotation based on your specific requirements. It is also advisable to compare prices from different suppliers and negotiate to get the best deal possible.

Delivery time and Readiness of Oxidized Bitumen

The delivery time and readiness of oxidized bitumen can vary depending on several factors such as the location of the supplier, the volume of purchase, and the availability of the specific grade of oxidized bitumen required. Generally, the delivery time for oxidized bitumen can range from a few days to a few weeks.
If the supplier has the required grade of oxidized bitumen in stock, it can be delivered within a few days. However, if the specific grade of oxidized bitumen is not available, it may take longer for the supplier to produce and deliver the product.
It is important to note that the production of oxidized bitumen requires specialized equipment and processes, and therefore, the supplier may have a limited production capacity. Moreover, the transportation logistics and customs clearance procedures can also impact the delivery time.
To ensure timely delivery, it is recommended to place orders in advance and to work closely with the supplier to coordinate the logistics and transportation. Additionally, it is advisable to check the supplier's production and delivery capabilities, as well as their reputation and reliability, before making a purchase decision.

Specifications of Oxidized bitumen

The specifications of oxidized bitumen can vary depending on the specific grade or type of bitumen, as well as the application requirements. However, here are some general specifications for oxidized bitumen:
Softening point: The softening point of oxidized bitumen is typically higher than that of regular bitumen, ranging from 75°C to 110°C, depending on the grade.
Penetration: The penetration of oxidized bitumen is typically lower than that of regular bitumen, ranging from 5 to 30 dmm, depending on the grade.
Ductility: The ductility of oxidized bitumen is generally lower than that of regular bitumen, ranging from 1 to 10 cm, depending on the grade.
Solubility: The solubility of oxidized bitumen in trichloroethylene is typically lower than that of regular bitumen, ranging from 99% to 99.9%, depending on the grade.
Flash point: The flash point of oxidized bitumen is typically higher than that of regular bitumen, ranging from 200°C to 300°C, depending on the grade.
Color: The color of oxidized bitumen can range from brown to black, depending on the grade and the degree of oxidation.
It is important to note that the specific specifications for oxidized bitumen can vary depending on the intended application and the customer's requirements. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with the supplier or manufacturer to determine the appropriate grade and specifications of oxidized bitumen for your specific application.

Analysis Table of Oxidized Bitumen

The analysis of oxidized bitumen typically includes several properties, such as penetration, softening point, ductility, viscosity, flash point, and solubility. The following table shows typical values for each property: